Sania Mirza doesn’t agree at all with the notion that Novak Djokovic is in a tough position – on the contrary – the Indian tennis legend thinks the Serb will especially now “be a problem” that the pressure is off him.
After Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz absolutely dominated the Grand Slam scene in 2024, they are considered the two very top favorites for the Australian Open title.
While Djokovic is a record 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, some doubt he can win the Australian Open or any other Grand Slam again.
However, sharing her thoughts on the opening Major of the year, Mirza highlighted that the 37-year-old is still someone that you would rather avoid in a Slam.
Also, the Indian – who won five Grand Slam titles across women’s and mixed doubles – predicted the Serb will stay in pro tennis for two more years.
Mirza: Djokovic is going to be a problem for the title contenders
“It’s probably the last two couple of years that we’re going to watch him play. I think to be very honest, on the contrary, it’s going to be a problem for the title contenders,” the former doubles world No. 1 told The New Indian Express.
“Nobody wants to see Novak in the quarterfinal. They would rather play him in the final. So, I think he’s going in with a great situation where the pressure is off to him right now.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic drew rising star Nishesh Basavareddy in the Australian Open first round.
In his projected path, the Serb could also meet Alcaraz in the quarterfinal – Alexander Zverev in the semifinal – and Sinner in the final.
Last year, the record 24-time Grand Slam champion made the semifinal at Melbourne Park before losing to the Italian.
If world No. 7 Djokovic wins this year’s Australian Open, he will become the first-ever player male or female with 25 Grand Slam titles to his name
Tennis World USA